Most Rev. Matthew Clark

Deceased: 2023-01-22

Diocese: ROCHESTER

Seminary Graduation Year: 1963

CSM Graduation Year: 1966

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The Most Reverend Matthew H. Clark, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Rochester, died the morning of January 22, 2023 following a period of declining health. Bishop Clark was 85.

Born on July 15, 1937. Predeceased by his parents, M. Harvey Clark and Grace (Bills) Clark. He is survived by his sister, Helen (James) Early; nieces, Grace E. (Mark) Boss, Jane F. Early, Mary Ellen Early, Margaret H. (William) Warner and Kathleen L. Early; great-nieces and nephews, Shannon Hastings, Julie (Luke) Cullinan, Megan Neff, Patrick and Andrew Esposito, Liam and Sean McMahan and Kevin and Jennifer Grignon; and several cousins.

Bishop Clark was ordained a priest in Rome December 19, 1962, by Archbishop Martin John O’Connor, for the Diocese of Albany. On May 27, 1979, Bishop Clark was ordained a bishop by then pope, St. John Paul II and subsequently installed as the eighth bishop of Rochester on June 26, 1979, where he served for over 33 years until his resignation was accepted on Sept. 21, 2012, shortly after his 75th birthday, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law.

Bishop Clark will lie in state Sunday, January 29 from 3- 7PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park concluding with Evening Prayer at 7PM. Visitation will resume Monday, January 30 from 10-11:30AM with his Mass of Christian Burial at 12PM. Private entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.